Wildlife thrives along the Montgomery Canal. It is one of the most important canals in the country for nature, much of it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Welsh section is of international importance, designated a Special Area of Conservation for its aquatic plants.
The canal is the best location in the world for floating water plantain. Otters and water voles have also been spotted along its length. Several nature reserves border the canal, filled with wildflowers and insects, including dragonflies and damselflies.
Walking or cycling along the towpath is an excellent way to experience the peace and tranquillity of this rural canal. The canal towpath has recently been resurfaced between Newtown and Welshpool and the section from Frankton Junction to Crickheath makes for a great walk, while the section to the Welsh border at Llanymynech, is somewhat more uneven – pull on your walking boots.
This is also a popular canal for canoeing – paddling quietly through peaceful green surroundings is a great way to spot wildlife.
The canal is home to 126 listed structures including the Llanymynech limeworks which includes the rare restored Hoffman Kiln and Chimney, both features of a forgotten industrial past that included quarries, limekilns and woollen industries. During the summer months, you can take a short narrowboat trip here at weekends from England into Wales. 
While the canal was closed to boats for many years, it is now possible for visitors to cruise from the national canal network to Crickheath, not far from Oswestry.